A palpable sense of festive euphoria and fierce camaraderie dotted the prize-giving ceremony of the National Metropolitan Police Games last night.
Hosted by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality [DMPD] amidst Durban’s infamous battering rains and gale-force winds, the week-long contest delivered drama, subtle rivalry, and a stellar showcase of sportsmanship among South Africa’s finest law enforcement outfits.
The hosts, the Durban Metropolitan Police Department, leveraged their home-turf advantage and the determination to cause an upset after a poor showing last year, ultimately claiming the Overall Gold with a commanding 41 points. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department [JMPD] fought back from a sluggish start to secure a commendable 2nd Place Overall with 25 points.
Competing alongside the frontrunners were the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department [TMPD] and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department [EMPD]. The closing ceremony was attended by senior leadership, including Commissioner YCR Faro [TMPD], Chief Sibonelo Mchunu [DMPD], and Angi Mokasi [JMPD Director of Operations], accentuating the institutional value of this tradition.
While the overall rivalry was intense, the atmosphere was defined by moments of individual brilliance and team spirit across multiple codes.
The JMPD cycling squad proved their consistency, successfully retaining their title with Gold traveling back to Johannesburg. The legendary Thabiso Makgetha defended his status as the Best Male Cyclist of the games against a tough, dark-horse showing from Tshwane. The Best Female Cyclist award went to Bloomie Moolman.
The dartboard saw tight competition, with TMPD securing Gold and the prestigious Player of the Tournament award going to Derrick Nel, who also secured the Maximum Score Award. In Pool, the hosts [DMPD] claimed Gold, edging out the JMPD, which took Silver.
In athletics, the rivalry was split: DMPD took Gold in the Female Running category, while JMPD claimed Gold in the Male category; a true mark of competitive parity. Aerobics: A showcase of energy and style, with JMPD taking 1st place and also winning the Best Dressed Team award.
Netball: The DMPD snatched Gold, backed by their Player of the Tournament.
Soccer: The hosts proved dominant in the major codes, claiming Gold in Female Soccer, Male Main Soccer, and Male Master’s Soccer.
The closing ceremony concluded with the official handover of the hosting baton to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The final standings were 1st DMPD [41 points], 2nd JMPD [25 points], 3rd TMPD [16 points], and 4th EMPD [13 points].
Ingrid Mahlangu, JMPD Director of Auxiliary Services, spoke of the broader significance of the games. “I want to acknowledge the continuity of this tradition. Last year, the JMPD had the privilege to host. We witnessed how sport can uplift morale, inspire communities, and showcase the human face of law enforcement. Today, Durban picked up that baton and next year it’ll be Ekurhuleni. We stand with you, confident that you will deliver a tournament that is safe, inclusive, and memorable.”
The convivial spirit was best captured by the Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Sizakele Masuku. Following the announcement that her City will host the 2026 franchise in September/October, Cllr Masuku quipped in a subtle challenge to the dominant hosts, “Pasop DMPD, Eyamadoda Ayipheli” [Be careful DMPD, it’s not over].
The #MetroPoliceGames2025 concluded as a resounding success, demonstrating that the rivalry between South Africa’s leading metropolitan police departments serves only to deepen their commitment to excellence, teamwork, and collective public safety.